WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass., announced Thursday thatt he Norton Fire Rescue Department received a grant totaling $139,099 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Awards Program. These funds will be used by the department to purchase necessary communications equipment.

“Firefighters serve as the backbone of any community in which they serve. They answer the call day or night, rain or shine, to keep our families safe,” Kennedy said. “This AFG award will help improve the operations and safety of the Norton Fire Rescue Department, and I congratulate Chief Paul Schleicher and his department on earning this award.”

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Congressman in securing this grant for our department,” Chief Paul Schleicher said. “It’s going to make a big difference in replacing our aging infrastructure, especially replacing our radios and other communication equipment. This equipment is so important in any emergency situation – for public safety as well as for the safety of our firefighters. Also, thanks to our staff in the department who worked tirelessly to secure these funds.”

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.